Let’s be honest: when most Americans plan a trip to the Netherlands, they book a hotel in Amsterdam, visit the Anne Frank House, take a canal cruise, and call it a trip.
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| The peaceful charm of the Dutch countryside beyond Amsterdam |
Don't get me wrong—Amsterdam is incredible. But if you spend your entire vacation dodging trams and crowded bicycle lanes in the capital, you are missing out on the true magic of the Dutch countryside.
Stepping outside the major cities feels like walking straight into a 17th-century landscape painting. We’re talking about winding cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, locals chatting over fresh stroopwafels, and windmills lazily spinning over green pastures.
If you want to experience the authentic charm of Holland (and its neighboring provinces), you need to venture out. As a frequent traveler to the Low Countries, I've put together this guide to the 15 best small towns in the Netherlands.
Whether you want a quick day trip from Amsterdam or a quiet weekend getaway, this list has you covered. Let’s dive in!
You'll Discover
1. Giethoorn: The "Venice of the North"
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| Cruising through Giethoorn’s dreamy canals feels like stepping into a fairytale |
If there is one small Dutch town you’ve likely seen on Instagram, it’s Giethoorn. Located in the northeastern province of Overijssel, this village has virtually no roads. Instead, locals and visitors get around via a network of peaceful canals and over 170 wooden arch bridges.
Why you’ll love it: It is impossibly picturesque. The canals are lined with centuries-old thatched-roof farmhouses surrounded by vibrant gardens. Renting a "whisper boat" (an easy-to-drive electric motorboat) and navigating the waterways yourself is a bucket-list experience.
Practical tip: Giethoorn is no longer a secret. To avoid the massive summer crowds, visit on a weekday morning or, even better, travel in the shoulder seasons like May or September.
How to get there: It’s a bit tricky by public transit from Amsterdam. You'll take an Intercity train to Steenwijk (about 90 minutes) and then catch the 70 bus to Giethoorn.
2. Delft: Blue Pottery and Golden Age Charm
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| Delft blends Golden Age charm with peaceful canal-side living |
While technically a small city rather than a village, Delft has such a cozy, small-town vibe that it absolutely belongs on this list. Famous globally for its blue-and-white porcelain (Delftware) and as the hometown of painter Johannes Vermeer, Delft offers all the canal-ringed beauty of Amsterdam with a fraction of the crowds.
Why you’ll love it: The historic center is incredibly preserved. You can climb the soaring tower of the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) for views all the way to The Hague, or tour the Royal Delft factory to see artisans painting ceramics by hand.
Practical tip: Grab a coffee and a slice of Dutch apple pie at Stads-Koffyhuis, which consistently wins awards for having the best terrace in the country.
How to get there: A direct, ultra-easy train ride from Amsterdam Centraal takes just under an hour.
3. Edam: Much More Than Just Cheese
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| Edam is far more than cheese—it’s a step back in time |
Just a stone's throw north of Amsterdam lies Edam. Yes, this is the birthplace of the famous round cheese wrapped in red wax, but the town itself is a historical gem. In the 17th century, Edam was a prosperous shipbuilding center, and that wealth is still visible in its grand merchant houses.
Why you’ll love it: Edam feels frozen in time. You can wander over traditional wooden drawbridges, explore the quiet canals, and visit the Edam Museum, which is housed in a building from the 1500s.
Practical tip: If you visit during July and August, try to go on a Wednesday morning to witness the traditional, historical cheese market reenactments.
How to get there: Take bus 314 from Amsterdam Noord (accessible via the Amsterdam Metro). You'll be there in under 30 minutes.
4. Volendam: The Classic Fishing Village
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| Fresh seafood and vibrant harbor life define Volendam |
Often paired with Edam, Volendam is a lively fishing village situated on the Markermeer lake. It’s famous for its bustling harbor, traditional Dutch costumes, and deep-rooted fishing history.
Why you’ll love it: Walking along the De Dijk (the main harbor promenade) is a treat for the senses. You’ll find colorful wooden houses, cozy pubs, and dozens of seafood stalls.
Practical tip: You have to try Kibbeling here. It’s a wildly popular Dutch street food made of battered, deep-fried chunks of white fish served with a tangy garlic or tartar sauce. It is incredible.
How to get there: Hop on bus 316 from Amsterdam Noord. It takes about 25 minutes.
5. Marken: A Step Back in Time
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| Marken’s unique stilt houses tell stories of life with the sea |
If Volendam is the busy older brother, Marken is the quiet, quirky younger sibling. Marken was historically an island, totally cut off from the mainland until a causeway was built in the 1950s. Because of this isolation, the village developed a highly distinct culture and architectural style.
Why you’ll love it: To protect against flooding, the locals built their iconic black-and-green wooden houses on wooden stilts and artificial mounds called werven. It feels like stepping onto a historic movie set.
Practical tip: The best way to experience this area is the "Waterland triangle." Take the bus to Volendam, explore, and then catch the scenic 30-minute Volendam Marken Express ferry across the water to Marken.
How to get there: Take the ferry from Volendam, or take bus 315 directly from Amsterdam Noord.
6. Zaanse Schans (and Zaandijk): The Windmill Wonderland
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| Zaanse Schans is the ultimate windmill experience in the Netherlands |
I’ll be transparent: Zaanse Schans is technically an open-air conservation area rather than a living town, but it sits right across the river from the lovely village of Zaandijk. If you want to see working, historic windmills, this is the absolute best place in the Netherlands to do it.
Why you’ll love it: In the 18th and 19th centuries, this area was the world's first industrial zone, boasting over 600 windmills. Today, a handful of beautifully preserved mills remain, crushing spices, sawing wood, and grinding pigments.
Practical tip: The air here literally smells like cocoa because of the nearby chocolate factories in the Zaan region. Rent a bike at the train station to explore the trails behind the windmills where the big tour groups never go.
How to get there: Take a 15-minute Sprinter train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, then walk 15 minutes across the bridge.
7. Gouda: A Foodie’s Paradise
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| Gouda’s fairytale square is as iconic as its cheese |
Americans pronounce it "Goo-duh," but the Dutch pronounce it "How-duh" (with a very throaty 'H'). However you say it, this town is a must-visit. While famous for its cheese, Gouda is actually a bustling historic town with one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe.
Why you’ll love it: The 15th-century Gothic Town Hall stands alone in the middle of the massive market square, looking like a fairytale castle. Gouda is also the birthplace of the stroopwafel (two thin waffles stuck together with caramel syrup).
Practical tip: Skip the pre-packaged stroopwafels and visit the Kamphuisen Siroopwafelfabriek to taste them warm, straight off the iron.
How to get there: A direct train from Amsterdam Centraal takes about 50 minutes.
8. Naarden: The Perfect Star Fort
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| Naarden’s perfect star shape is best seen from above |
From above, Naarden looks like a giant green star. It is one of the best-preserved star forts in Europe, complete with a double moat and heavily fortified walls designed to repel invaders in the 17th century.
Why you’ll love it: Once you pass through the heavy defensive gates, you’ll find a remarkably peaceful, upscale town. The Grote Kerk (Great Church) in the center features stunning wooden vault paintings that survived the Protestant Reformation.
Practical tip: To fully appreciate the unique layout of the town, you need a vantage point. Pay a few euros to climb the tower of the Grote Kerk, or take a boat tour through the moat.
How to get there: Take a 25-minute train from Amsterdam Centraal to Naarden-Bussum, then walk or grab a quick bus to the fortress center.
9. Valkenburg: Castles and Caves
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| Valkenburg feels like a completely different side of the Netherlands |
If you travel to the far south of the Netherlands (into the province of Limburg), the landscape suddenly changes. The flat polders disappear, replaced by rolling hills and dense forests. Nestled in this region is Valkenburg, a town that feels more like Germany or Belgium than Holland.
Why you’ll love it: Valkenburg is home to the country’s only hilltop castle ruins. Beneath the town lies a massive network of marlstone caves, some dating back to Roman times.
Practical tip: If you visit between mid-November and late December, Valkenburg hosts one of the most unique Christmas markets in Europe—it’s held entirely underground inside the illuminated caves!
How to get there: It’s a longer trek. Take a train to Maastricht (about 2.5 hours from Amsterdam), then transfer to a local train to Valkenburg (15 minutes).
10. Thorn: The White Village
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| Thorn’s all-white streets create a uniquely magical atmosphere |
Also located in the southern province of Limburg, Thorn is instantly recognizable and completely unique. Unlike the traditional dark red brick architecture seen everywhere else in the Netherlands, every single building in the historic center of Thorn is painted stark white.
Why you’ll love it: Thorn has a fascinating history. It was an independent mini-principality ruled by an abbey of noblewomen for 800 years. Later, when the French occupied the area and implemented a tax based on window size, poor locals bricked up their windows and painted their houses white to hide the scars.
Practical tip: The cobbled streets are made of Maasland river stones, which are beautiful but hard on the feet. Wear comfortable, thick-soled walking shoes.
How to get there: Best accessed by car, or by taking a train to Weert or Roermond, followed by a local bus.
11. Oudewater: The Witches' Weighhouse
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| Oudewater’s weighhouse once decided who was a witch |
Oudewater is a quintessential Dutch town with a wonderfully quirky claim to fame. During the European witch hunts of the 16th century, people accused of witchcraft would travel here from all over Europe to be weighed.
Why you’ll love it: The belief at the time was that a witch had to be light enough to fly on a broomstick. The weighmaster of Oudewater was famous for being honest and not rigging the scales. You can still visit the Heksenwaag (Witches Weighhouse) today, step on the original wooden scales, and get a personalized certificate proving you aren't a witch!
Practical tip: Oudewater’s town center was largely spared during WWII, meaning its 16th-century buildings are pristine. Take an hour to simply walk along the Hollandsche IJssel river.
How to get there: Take a train to Gouda, then catch bus 107 to Oudewater (about 25 minutes).
12. Broek in Waterland: Pastel Perfection
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| Soft pastel homes make this village feel like a painting |
In the 17th and 18th centuries, rich Amsterdam merchants wanted to escape the smelly, crowded city during the summer. They built lavish wooden vacation homes just north of the city in Broek in Waterland. Today, it remains one of the wealthiest and prettiest villages in the country.
Why you’ll love it: The wooden houses here are painted in stunning pastel shades of grey, green, and blue. It is incredibly quiet; you’re more likely to hear ducks splashing in the local lake than car engines.
Practical tip: Stop by the local church, which was built in the 1600s. The floor is made entirely of gravestones of wealthy merchants, and the interior woodwork is breathtaking.
How to get there: Catch bus 314 or 316 from Amsterdam Noord. It’s an insanely short 10-minute ride!
13. Hindeloopen: Frisian Maritime Charm
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| Hindeloopen showcases Friesland’s unique identity |
To truly understand the Netherlands, you have to realize that the northern province of Friesland has its own distinct identity, culture, and even its own official language (Frisian). Hindeloopen is a tiny coastal town on the IJsselmeer lake that showcases this culture perfectly.
Why you’ll love it: Hindeloopen was a major trading port in the 17th century. It developed its own unique style of brightly painted furniture and traditional fabrics. The town is a maze of tiny bridges, historic sea captains' homes, and sheep-dotted dikes.
Practical tip: This town is heavily tied to the Elfstedentocht, a legendary 200-kilometer ice skating race across 11 Frisian cities. Visit the First Frisian Ice Skating Museum located right in town to understand this national obsession.
How to get there: It is best explored by rental car as part of a northern Netherlands road trip, though you can take a train to Sneek and connect via local transit.
14. Domburg: The Artists' Seaside Retreat
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| Domburg proves the Netherlands has stunning beaches too |
Americans often forget that the Netherlands has gorgeous beaches! Domburg, located in the southwestern coastal province of Zeeland, is the oldest seaside resort in the country.
Why you’ll love it: In the early 20th century, painters like Piet Mondrian flocked to Domburg because the light reflecting off the North Sea created a unique, almost magical glow. Today, it offers sweeping, wide-open sandy beaches, boutique shops, and excellent seafood.
Practical tip: Rent a traditional canvas beach chair and a windbreak for the afternoon. Afterward, eat some fresh Zeeland mussels (Zeeuwse mosselen) at a beachfront pavilion.
How to get there: Take the train to Middelburg (a stunning city worth seeing on its own), then take bus 52 to Domburg.
15. Bourtange: The Living Fortress
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| Bourtange feels like walking into a living history museum |
Tucked away in the far northeast corner of the Netherlands, just a few miles from the German border, lies Bourtange. Built in 1593 during the Eighty Years' War, this is another star fort, but unlike Naarden, Bourtange feels like an immersive, living history museum.
Why you’ll love it: The fort was completely restored to its exact 1742 specifications. You’ll walk past wooden windmills, historic canons, drawbridges, and guards dressed in period uniforms.
Practical tip: Check their local event calendar before you go. Several times a year, Bourtange hosts massive historical reenactments with hundreds of "soldiers" firing muskets and cannons.
How to get there: Bourtange is very remote. You will definitely want to rent a car to visit this one.
3 Essential Tips for Exploring Dutch Small Towns
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| Getting around Dutch small towns is easy with trains, bikes, and contactless payments |
Traveling around the Netherlands is generally a breeze for Americans, but keeping these practical tips in mind will make your trip seamless:
1. Master the Train System (It's Amazing)
The Dutch railway network (Nederlandse Spoorwegen or NS) is incredibly efficient.
Actionable Tip: Download the NS App on your phone. It gives you real-time platform updates and routing.
Payment: You don't even need to buy paper tickets anymore! The Netherlands uses an "OVpay" system. You can simply tap your American contactless credit card (or Apple Pay/Google Wallet) on the turnstile readers to check in, and tap out when you leave your destination.
2. Renting a Bike? Know the Rules
Biking between small towns (like the route from Edam to Volendam) is magical, but Dutch cycling is serious business.
Actionable Tip: Dutch rental bikes often use "coaster brakes" (you pedal backward to stop) rather than hand brakes. Practice for a few minutes in a quiet area before hitting traffic.
Walking warning: If you are on foot exploring a small town, never walk in the red bicycle lanes. Bicycles have the right of way, and locals will aggressively ring their bells at you if you block their path!
3. Cards Are King (But Have a Backup)
The Netherlands is an almost entirely cashless society. However, until recently, they relied heavily on a localized Maestro/V-Pay debit system that rejected American Visa and Mastercards.
Actionable Tip: Good news—as of late 2023, almost all Dutch merchants upgraded their terminals to accept international Visa and Mastercards. Still, carry about €50 in cash just in case you stumble upon a tiny rural cheese stand or an older shop that hasn't updated its card reader yet.
Final Thoughts: Wrapping Up Your Dutch Countryside Adventure
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| The true soul of the Netherlands lives beyond the cities |
Amsterdam will always hold a special place in my heart, but the real soul of the Netherlands lives in its small towns. Whether you are navigating the silent canals of Giethoorn, eating fresh kibbeling in Volendam, or stepping back in time inside a star fort, these towns offer memories you simply can’t make in the busy capital.
The best part? Because the Netherlands is so compact, you don't have to choose just one. You can easily base yourself in Amsterdam, Utrecht, or The Hague and check off two or three of these towns on simple day trips.
Which of these 15 best small towns in the Netherlands are you adding to your itinerary? Let me know in the comments below, and happy travels!
FAQS About 15 Best Small Towns in the Netherlands
Q1. What is the most beautiful village in the Netherlands?
A: Giethoorn is widely considered the most beautiful village in the Netherlands. Known as the "Venice of the North," it has almost no roads, relying instead on a network of peaceful canals, wooden arch bridges, and walking paths lined with historic thatched-roof farmhouses. However, if you prefer pastel wooden homes, Broek in Waterland is a close second!
Q2. What is the best small town near Amsterdam?
A: If you want a quick trip, Edam, Volendam, and Broek in Waterland are all fantastic small towns located less than 30 minutes north of Amsterdam via public bus. If you are specifically looking to see historic windmills, Zaandijk (and the adjacent Zaanse Schans) is only a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam Centraal.
Q3. What is the Dutch village with no roads?
A: The village with no roads is Giethoorn, located in the northeastern province of Overijssel. Locals and visitors navigate the town using small electric motorboats called "whisper boats," canoes, or by walking and cycling along the paved paths that run parallel to the water.
Q4. Do people speak English in rural Dutch towns?
A: Yes, absolutely! The Netherlands consistently ranks as having one of the highest non-native English proficiency rates in the world. Even in tiny farming villages or remote coastal towns, the vast majority of locals, restaurant staff, and shop owners speak fluent English. (Though learning to say Dank je wel—thank you—is always appreciated!)
Q5. How do you get around small towns in the Netherlands?
A: The easiest way to get around is by using the excellent Dutch public transit network. Trains (NS) connect all major cities and medium-sized towns, while regional buses fill in the gaps to reach smaller villages. You don't even need to buy tickets in advance; you can simply tap your American contactless credit card to board buses and trains.
Q6. Can you do a day trip from Amsterdam to Giethoorn?
A: Yes, you can do a day trip to Giethoorn from Amsterdam, but prepare for a long day. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each way using public transportation (an Intercity train to Steenwijk, followed by the 70 bus). To avoid feeling rushed, try to leave Amsterdam by 8:00 AM.
Q7. Which Dutch town is best to see windmills?
A: For the most immersive windmill experience near a town, head to Zaanse Schans (next to Zaandijk). It features several beautifully preserved, working windmills along the river. Another world-famous spot is Kinderdijk (near Rotterdam), a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting a stunning line of 19 original 18th-century windmills.
Q8. What is the best time to visit the Dutch countryside?
A: The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons: April to May or September to October. If you visit in mid-April, you’ll catch the world-famous tulip season. September offers crisp, pleasant weather and far fewer crowds than the peak summer months of July and August.
Q9. Are American credit cards accepted in small Dutch villages?
A: Mostly, yes. In late 2023, the Netherlands upgraded its payment systems to universally accept international Visa and Mastercards. However, a few highly rural shops, market stalls, or older parking meters might still rely on local bank cards. It is always smart to carry about €50 in cash just in case.
Q10. Is it worth leaving Amsterdam on a trip to the Netherlands?
A: 100% yes! While Amsterdam is home to world-class museums and gorgeous canals, it can get very crowded and expensive. Leaving the city allows you to experience authentic Dutch culture, interact with locals, eat better regional food, and see the picturesque landscapes that the Netherlands is famous for.
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